POLICE are hunting a cyclist who they believe carried out the "shocking" rape of a 16 year-old girl in Balloch.

The Reporter can reveal that "extensive CCTV" enquiries are ongoing in a bid to find the beast who attacked the teenager.

Around 11pm on Sunday, September 11 the 16 year old was attacked by a man she had befriended earlier in the evening near to the footpath leading from a car park near to Balloch Bridge, Balloch.

The suspect is described as white, 5ft 7, slim build, small sized head/face, freshly shaved and had black hair.

He was wearing cycling garments – a black short sleeved top with silver logo, grey long sleeved base layer, black Lycra cycling shorts, black Sondico socks and grey Nike Air Max trainers.

He had a on a black rucksack and was riding a red mountain bike with either “Firefox” or “Fox” on the frame.

Detective Inspector Grant Macleod, Clydebank CID, is leading the enquiry to find the man responsible.

He said: "The girl had been out with her friend earlier in the evening, when around 2000 hours they met the man who at that time was wearing a black jacket and a Celtic ‘bumble bee’ style football top.

"They stayed in each other’s company and headed to a small beach on the banks of the River Leven not too far from the Duncan Mills slipway where they lit a small camp fire.

"On leaving around 2300 hours, the girl’s friend went on ahead and, as the 16 year old and the man- who said he was 26 years old but looked younger- walked a bit behind, he grabbed her and seriously sexually assaulted her.

"He then made off on his bike and the girl managed to get herself home."

"Officers are checking CCTV in the area and are appealing to anyone who may have seen the man on the bike, cycling around the Balloch Bridge or Balloch Train Station and cycle path area, prior to 2000 hours.

"At that time he would have had on the black jacket and football top.

"After the attack he just had the cycling gear on, riding his red bike and was carrying a rucksack.

"Obviously this was a shocking attack on the young girl who thankfully, even although it was a few days afterwards, had the courage to report the incident to police.

"The area down to the boatyard is quite a popular wee spot. It’s a footpath along the banks of River Leven up towards Loch Lomond and is well used by dog walkers, cyclists and local residents.

"I am sure at that someone will have seen the girls and the man either when they were at the beach or when they left.

"We are keen to hear from anyone who recognises the description of the man or who may have seen him earlier that night wearing the football top.

"Extensive CCTV enquiries are being carried out and there are additional patrols in the area for public reassurance and anyone with information or concerns about the incident can speak to them."

Anyone with information can contact officers at Clydebank CID via 101 or CRIMESTOPPERS on 0800 555 111 where details can be given in confidence.